Te Aroha Keenan 'was not pushed' out of the Northern Mystics coaching role and has backed her assistant Debbie Fuller to assume the reins next year.
Keenan took over from Yvonne Willering in 2008 and had an unsuccessful two-year tenure, finishing eighth - with just three wins - in 2009 and sixth (or equal fifth) this year despite recruiting arguably the most talent-laden squad in the ANZ Championship.
"I wasn't pushed. If felt I couldn't contribute anymore," Keenan told Sportal on Tuesday.
"It was purely my decision. I had to consider the needs of my family."
The former New Zealand Under-21 coach said when she took over Willering's mantle she had expectations of 'making the top four at least'.
"This year was exciting and we had great players, but it was a disappointing season. We faltered at critical times and there's a lot of reasons for that," she said.
The Mystics signed eight new players this year including Jamaican and former Pulse defender Althea Byfield, Silver Ferns Maria Tutaia and Joline Henry, who joined New Zealand centre Temepara George and star-shooter Cathrine Latu.
Auckland was buoyant at its side's prospects, but fans instead had to endure another frustrating season of erratic performances as the perennial underachievers wound up as New Zealand's third best team - of five.
Keenan, who maintained the personnel changes this year were positive, expected Fuller to be announced as her replacement – making her the franchise's third coach in four years.
"She's what they need," Keenan said of her former sidekick. "She's got the knowledge and support structures. They're [the Mystics] not far away from making that decision."
"I'm happy to call an end to coaching career. I've been coaching for more years than I want to tell you and it's a good opportunity to step back."
"I can honestly say we made improvements. If they maintain the majority of that side and secure a few others, they are in a good space and will be more hunger after being so close to making the finals this year."
After five years as deputy principal, Keenan took a two-year leave of absence from Auckland's Mt Albert Grammar to coach the Mystics.
It was a role she would return to, but switching from minding 12 girls to 2700 co-ed pupils would be an adjustment.
"For a long time my children have had to share me with sport," Keenan said.
"I want to be there [Mt Albert] for the arrival of my 11-year-old son. I also have one daughter studying health science and another one on a scholarship at the University of Hawaii. She is a discus thrower and wants to compete at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. I wouldn't have been able to go to those events."
Waikato Bay-of Plenty Magic coach Noeline Taurua is also thought to be weighing up her future after losing the final to the Adelaide Thunderbirds on Sunday.